Enzymes Flashcards
What are enzymes?
Biological catalysts with a specific active site that speed up reactions.
They are proteins.
How do enzymes work?
The substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme and the enzyme and substrate bind together and form products.
What is the lock and hypothesis?
The shape of the substrate is complementary to the shape of the active site, so when they bond it forms an enzyme-substrate complex.
What factors affect the rate of enzyme action?
Temperature and pH.
How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
As temperature increases, the rate of reaction increases until it hits the optimum temperature (37*C). After this, the enzyme will denature and the substrate will no longer fit into the active site.
How does pH affect enzyme activity?
If the pH is too high or too low, the enzyme will denature and the substrate will no longer fit into the active site.
How do you calculate the mean rate of reaction?
Quantity of product formed divided by time taken.
What is the function of digestive enzymes?
To break down food and insoluble molecules into small soluble molecules so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
What are the 3 main digestive enzymes?
Amylase
Protease
Lipase
What does amylase do?
Breaks down starch into smaller sugars.
Where is amylase found?
Salivary glands
Pancreas
Small intestine
What does protease do?
Breaks down proteins into amino acids.
Where is protease found?
Stomach
Pancreas
Small intestine
What does lipase do?
Breaks down lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
Where is lipase found?
Pancreas
Small intestine
What can the products of digestion be used to make?
New carbohydrates, proteins and lipids. Some of the glucose is used in respiration.
What does bile do?
Neutralises stomach acid and emulsifies fats.
Breaks fats into tiny droplets giving them a larger surface area and it makes digestion faster.
Where is bile produced and stored?
Produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder.
